Pulled Pork Goes Beyond the Bun

Friday

Sep 28, 2012 at 12:01 AMSep 28, 2012 at 12:15 AM

If America had a signature dish, it might just be the pulled pork sandwich. This timeless favorite has already captured our hearts – so isn’t it time to discover new favorites? Offering ample leftovers and delicious versatility, pulled pork is finally getting a new look and going beyond the bun.

New takes on pulled pork will revitalize and add a flavorful dose of creativity to family mealtime. Once the pulled pork is prepared, it can be enjoyed throughout the week in so many ways — with effortless wraps, salads, pizzas, vibrant tacos and more.

Wake up your everyday dinner routine with these mouthwatering ideas from the National Pork Board:

• Pulled Pork Wrap: For an easy lunch, combine pulled pork, chopped romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing in a flour tortilla. If enjoying at home, warm the wrap in a sandwich press or skillet for a restaurant-quality touch.

• Pulled Pork Fried Rice: Put down that Chinese take-out menu! Fried rice is a great way to use up leftover protein, rice and veggies. In this flavorful stir-fry, classic Americana meets Asia with a combination of white or brown rice, pulled pork, diced vegies and a lightly beaten egg.

To prepare perfect pulled pork, follow these simple tips from the National Pork Board:

• The Cuts: The best roasts for preparing pulled pork include the hearty, succulent Boston Blade Roast (also known as the Boston Butt), which comes from the pork shoulder, and the leaner, flavorful pork sirloin roast, from the lower end of the loin.

• The Temperature: For fall-apart pork, your best tools are patience and indirect heat. If preparing the roast in the oven or on the grill, the ideal “low and slow” preparation calls for temperatures between 250 and 300°F, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours per pound. In a slow cooker, heat pork for 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high.

• The Pull: When finished cooking, remove from heat and let sit, covered in foil, for 10 to 15 minutes. “Pull” or shred meat with two large forks, and place in a large baking dish or pan. Discard any remaining fat, drizzle with sauce if desired, and serve.

For more versatile pork recipes and inspiring tips, visit PorkBeInspired.com or Facebook.com/PorkBeInspired. Follow the National Pork Board on Pinterest and Twitter @AllAboutPork.

Herb Rub Oven-Braised Pulled Pork

Yield: 8 to 10 servings

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 2 3/4 to 3 1/4 hours

Ingredients

1 3-pound boneless pork shoulder or sirloin roast

2 teaspoons dried sage leaves

2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves

1 tablespoon canola oil or other neutral-flavored oil

1 cup chicken broth

Preparation

Preheat an oven to 300°F.

In a small bowl, combine the sage, thyme, salt, and rosemary. Rub the mixture over all sides of the meat, pressing it to adhere (if the meat is tied together with twine or netting, just rub the seasoning right over it). In a large Dutch oven or large ovenproof skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Add the pork and brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the meat to a plate and set aside.

Add the broth to the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Bring the broth to a boil, and then return the pork to the pan. Cover and bake until the pork is very tender, 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 hours.

Transfer the meat to a cutting board and let rest 10 to 15 minutes. Use two forks to shred meat into bite-sized pieces. Moisten/season with cooking juices to taste.

Serving Suggestions

If you like, you can make this a stovetop braise, slowly simmering it on the stovetop instead of in the oven. And feel free to experiment with the amounts and types of herbs, or use your favorite herb blend. Enjoy the pork in pulled pork risotto, added to a grilled cheese sandwich, or piled on top of a big green salad.